Tribute to Travis Alexander (Part 3 of 3)

These are the words that came to me to share at Travis' memorial service tonight. Thanks to all who prayed for me to help say them right.

Alexander the Great

Good evening my friends, I am humbled by the invitation to speak at such a service. I stand before you neither as an eloquent eulogist, nor as someone with touching musical abilities. I am but a friend whom Travis referred to as "brother." Indeed I am just like you. We cared about Travis, we admired him, and we probably took his greatest qualities for granted at times because he was such a constant in our lives. I hope that my thoughts relay a feeling of warm memory and calming peace as we are now one week from the news which shocked us all.

I have four images which I wish to share with you this evening which I have kept in my mind during the past 7 days and why they have impacted me.

We know about Travis’ positive outlook, and his ability to let himself be shaped by the events which were presented him. We esteem him for these traits. We also know Travis thrived on thinking big and achieving his goals. He wanted to see the world, challenge his fears, and help others on a grander scale than most permit themselves to aspire.

There was an evening when I spent some one-on-one time with Travis. He showed me pictures of himself at The International Balloon Fiesta Festival in New Mexico – a goal he’d set of something to see and achieved. I asked him, "Travis, what's was next?" I think this was his favorite question to respond to. He told me three things.

First, he said he wanted to ride a bull, rodeo style. Being from Colorado, and having witnessed a fair share of injuries appertaining to this conquest, I couldn’t understand why he’d wish it. After seeking explanation, he told me it was something that frightened him. And if he could do it, he wouldn’t have to be afraid anymore. The symbolism here is that Travis sought the love that casts out fear and the comfort that exists only in confidence before God. He didn't want to fear anything. Still to this day, when I think of rodeos, I’d wonder how Travis would fare when he finally got his opportunity.

Second, Travis showed me a picture of a lighthouse. He told me he wanted to buy one someday. Oh. He wanted to then renovate the interior with an elevator up the middle and a spiral slide that went all the way down the inner walls. I eyed him for explanation. He followed by declaring, “It would be cool to have.” I nodded. Even my overactive pragmatic side couldn’t argue with that. It’s definitely the best idea I’ve ever heard concerning lighthouse renovation. But Travis wasn’t just about having the slide, he understood his role as a lighthouse to people around him. He mentored individuals and he always sought out teaching situations. Three days ago, I wrote some thoughts about him and put them on the internet – over 500 people have looked at those thoughts, and that’s only the people who know how to use Google! Truly, his impact was like unto a lighthouse to us, like ships on the sea.

Lastly, he related to me this: "I want to someday have my picture on the cover of TIME magazine with the headline Alexander the Great." This was to be in response to future philanthropic efforts that would have allowed him to influence hundreds and thousands of people. At first, I thought this was such a different desire than I’ve ever had for myself. I’m never going to be on someone’s cover for recognition. Maybe I didn’t think I needed that. But then, I reflected. Travis simply wanted to show other people that he could become GREAT even from a difficult upbringing. And if he could, others could. That’s the message here. He’d be thrilled if the week after, TIME had a picture of Searle The Great, or Gomez the Great, or Miller the Great, or any of you on its cover. This was about achieving greatness – and this is something we should ALL aspire to – everyday!

Travis, I can’t get you a bull to ride, cuz I’m too afraid of them too, and I can’t afford a lighthouse to buy and dedicate to you, but….

I can put you on my cover of TIME magazine. Your efforts to influence scores of people around you have been a success. You’ve been great to me, and you’ve achieved greatness in my eyes. I’ll channel your wisdom and attitude now and in my future. Thank you.

Further, I propose that Travis was Alexander the Great in the eyes of Our Heavenly Father as well. Let’s read in Doctrine and Covenants (one of Travis' favorite books) 18:10-16 as the Lord explains gospel principles to the Prophet Joseph Smith and other leaders of the Church.

10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

12 And he hath arisen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.

13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!

14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

Travis was great enough that our Redeemer suffered and died for him on earth. Jesus Christ gave Travis the chance to live again and the chance to grow and change and become a man of greatness.

This same great worth is extended to you as well. You have GREAT value in the eyes of God. He loves us as His children, and provided a way for us to find happiness in this life and eternal life in the life to come. Freeman the Great, Hall the Great, Lowery the Great. It’s extended to us all.

May we all remember the significance of the rodeo, the lighthouse, and TIME magazine, with the most important remembrance, being that of the role of Jesus Christ in the Plan of Salvation. I know he came to earth. I know he suffered for our mistakes, and died. And I know he overcame both sin and death so that we might do so also if we but come unto him and do the simple things he has asked of us. I know Travis desired his brothers and sisters to come unto Christ. May we do so and bring others with us that all might be great.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

P.S. - Here's a higher resolution picture of my magazine cover :) for those of you who asked.